Loading ...You’re reviewing bids for your kitchen remodeling and realize there’s a 15 to 20 percent fee for the general contractor. Couldn’t you do that yourself and save money?
While we all want to save money on remodeling, you need to look at the whole picture. Do you have the skills and time to coordinate a kitchen remodeling? A good general contractor is gold, according to Realty Times. Can you walk in those same boots?
Understanding the General Contractor’s Role
First, what does the general contractor do all day? (Check out the Better Business Bureau video for more.) Aside from chatting with the workers and drinking coffee, there’s a long list:
- Planning the remodeling
- Hiring and supervising subcontractors
- Scheduling and coordinating deliveries
- Troubleshooting remodeling issues, such as bad wiring
What’s Your Remodeling IQ?
If you’ve done a lot of remodeling and know a plumber, electrician, and carpenter, you might be OK. You need to work with them and decide the schedule. The big thing is, they have to respect your authority, which can be tricky since you’re not their boss all the time.
Before committing, make sure you have:
- Proper skills–at least a sense of what the workers should be doing.
- Lots of time–do you have a flexible work schedule or vacation time?
- Contacts–you need good tradespeople who show up for work.
- Vision–an ability to see the whole picture, as noted in this Mortgage News Daily article.
General Contractor: Can You Handle it?
The bottom line–can you handle it? Subcontractors calling in sick. The building inspector visits?
Still not sure? Start with a small project like a bathroom revamping job, where you’re supervising the tile guy and the plumber. If you’re eager to return to your day job after a few hours, you’ve got your answer.
